Liu W, Zheng C, Zhang X, Hu H. Recurrence and malignant risk of ameloblastoma: A demographic study of 1626 cases from east China. Oral Oncol 2024; 148: 106651.

Greater risk of maxillary tumours being malignant.

Ameloblastoma commonly presents as a slow growing swelling, causing bone destruction and tooth mobility. Of the three subtypes - conventional (solid, multicystic), unicystic and extraosseous - conventional ameloblastoma is the most common and frequently recurs even after radical surgery. Ameloblastoma can progress to ameloblastic carcinoma (AC).

The records (n = 1626) of patients with a diagnosis of ameloblastoma (conventional 79.6%; unicystic 19.6%; peripheral 0.7%) from a single hospital over a 17-year period were retrieved. Demographics were similar to previous reports in different geographic locations, with the mandible of young male patients being most frequently affected and recurrence rate (n = 279; 17.2%) also in line with previous results. Second and third recurrences after periods of around two years were not uncommon. Incidence of malignancy was 3.4%. Statistically significant increased risk of malignancy (AC) was associated with those aged >45 years, male, with ameloblastoma in the maxilla and recurrent tumours.